Cincinnati Water Damage: Article About Preventing Water Damage

Water damage term courtesy of Griffin Contracting and Restoration, Cincinnati OH:Permeability

Permeability refers to how well a material will allow water to seep through it. Materials that have a high permeability may not be suitable for use in basements or other structures where excess moisture can be a problem.

FAQ courtesy of Cincinnati water damage experts Griffin Contracting and Restoration:What is the best way to minimize water damage after it happens?

The best thing to do is to call a professional water restoration service. They will have the tools and experience to clean your home and repair most surfaces that have come into contact with the water. For maximum effectiveness, restoration professionals should be called no more than 24 hours after water damage occurs.

Griffin Contracting and Restoration: Professional Water Damage Restoration Cincinnati OH

Although a Cincinnati water damage professional can help mitigate the long term effects of damage caused by water, it may be possible to take steps to reduce the odds of such damage ever taking place. For instance, materials with a high permeability should be avoided in basements and attics.

Homeowners should also take steps to caulk around window and door frames as rain, sleet or snow could seep into the home through those cracks. It may also be a good idea to seal cracks in sidewalks or near the garage as water can find its way into a home through even the tiniest of cracks. It may also serve as protection against rodents or termite damage as well.

As water can get under the foundation of a home, it may be a good idea to increase the gradient immediately outside of the house. This will cause water to run away from the foundation or from basement walls, meaning that it can't be absorbed into the home.

It may be a good idea to install a sump pump in the basement or to use a french drain system to move water out of the basement quickly. This technique may be especially helpful for those who live in low lying areas where rainwater and other moisture is most likely to collect after even a modest rain or snowfall.

The water damage experts at Griffin Contracting and Restoration of Cincinnati OH can assist you with any questions regarding flooded basements or flooding damage.

A final option would be to completely waterproof the basement, which is the most expensive option, even though it could solve moisture issues for as long as the homeowner stays in the property.

Installing gutters can make it easier to prevent water damage to a home. A gutter system will collect rain and other moisture from the roof and guide it to the ground away from the foundation. It may also be a good idea to install a downspout that will further guide moisture away from the foundation after it falls from the gutter. After the gutters have been installed, they should be regularly inspected as clogged or recessed gutters could cause water to backup into the house.

Checking the shingles on the roof may be another way to prevent water from leaking into the home. If a shingle is broken or otherwise ineffective, it can allow water to seep through it and into the attic. From there, the water can run throughout the rest of the house. Water can eat away at insulation, drywall and even electrical components for years without being detected, so regular roofing inspections may be worthwhile.

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